MIAMI, Florida – In an act that highlights camaraderie and leadership within the Dominican team, captain Manny Machado has ceded his iconic number 13 to young third baseman Junior Caminero, ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This significant moment took place during the Dominican team’s first official practice at loanDepot Park in Miami. Machado surprised Caminero by personally handing him the jersey with the number 13, a number that has been emblematic in Machado’s career in the Major Leagues. The team captain gave it to me. Caminero, visibly moved, described this gesture as a very special moment in his career.
The Captain Manny Machado Junior Caminero (13) 🔥⚾️🇩🇴😎
The general manager of the Dominican team, Nelson Cruz, also expressed the importance of this moment for the team.In this edition of the tournament, Machado will wear the number 03 on his uniform. The star third baseman will participate for the third time in the World Baseball Classic and again as captain of the Dominican team. In the 2017 tournament, Machado had a batting average of .269 with an OPS of .783, including a home run and two RBIs. In the 2023 championship, his average was .235, with an OPS of .925, two home runs and four RBIs. Despite the change in number, Machado’s leadership remains fundamental to the Dominican selection, which is beginning to forge its path towards the 2026 World Baseball Classic.Seeing Manny Machado hand over his number 13 jersey to Junior Caminero was witnessing a dream come true. Being able to talk with Manny and be part of that gesture so that Junior could experience that moment is something that fills me with pride.
Nelson Cruz
